Today ( Friday 5 Feb. 2016 ) Qld Police and the police community lost a true gentleman and leader. On what was to be [alert_red]his last day in the job before retiring[/alert_red] from a remarkable career, Detective Inspector Rod Kemp was taken from his family and his police brothers and sisters from a suspected heart attack.

Rod was a well respected leader, detective and above all else a good decent bloke who always put his staff first and above what was expected of him.

Our thoughts are with Rods family dealing with a sudden loss of him at a time that should have been one of celebration.

Vale Detective Inspector Rod Kemp – Qld Police Service.

[divider_dotted]

Top cop Detective Inspector Rod Kemp dies on the way to his own retirement lunch

in 4 minutes

KATE KYRIACOU The Sunday Mail (Qld)

The Courier Mail

QUEENSLAND police are mourning the loss of one of their own after one of the state’s top detectives died suddenly while on the way to his own retirement lunch.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, a “gentleman” of the police service, died from a suspected heart attack while returning to Mt Gravatt police station on Friday.

His closest friends and colleagues – some who had worked alongside him since the 1980s – were readying for his farewell when the news came through.

Insp Kemp, who was to turn 57 on Thursday, was a highly respected investigator and led some of the state’s biggest murder investigations.

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee said Insp Kemp had been due to retire after 37 years as a police officer.

Insp Rod Kemp is believed to have died from a heart attack, days short of his 57th birthday.

“(He) was one of the most respected and well-liked officers I have ever known,” he said. “He reached the top of his game professionally and had the respect and admiration of all his colleagues, and more importantly, the wider community.”

Queensland detective Rod Kemp dies from suspected heart attack

February 7, 20164:15pm

QUEENSLAND police has extended its sympathy to the family of a respected detective who died on the way to his own retirement lunch.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, a “gentleman” of the police service who was to turn 57 this week, died from a suspected heart attack while returning to Mt Gravatt police station in Brisbane on Friday, the Courier Mail reported.

His colleagues were preparing for a farewell lunch ahead of his retirement after 37 years as a police officer.

“RIP Detective Inspector Rod Kemp,” the Queensland Police Service said on Facebook on Sunday morning.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee spoke highly of Inspector Kemp, a married father-of-three sons — including one son who was also a police officer.

“(He) was one of the most respected and well-liked officers I have ever known,” he told the Courier Mail.

“He reached the top of his game professionally and had the respect and admiration of all his colleagues, and more importantly, the wider community.

“Rod was the complete gentleman who took the time to listen and care for people. He touched the lives of many as an experienced leader and investigator.”

Insp Kemp was a respected investigator who led some of Queensland’s biggest murder investigations.

DETECTIVE Inspector Rod Kemp has been remembered as a gentleman at Queensland Police memorial service.

The day after what would have been his birthday, hundreds of police gathered at The Chandler Theatre to remember the detective inspector who spent more than three and a half decades in the service.

Kemp passed away on the way to his own retirement farewell lunch last Friday.

Tributes by colleagues Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Geary and Detective Acting Inspector Tim Leadbetter were read with an address from son Alex Kemp.

“I’m not here to talk about the murders that were solved or the jobs taken care of under Rod’s leadership, I’m not here to talk about his work ethic. Those qualities and abilities are evident from everyone here today,” Det Acting Insp Leadbetter said.

“However, I would say Rod instantly gained respect and admiration of us all. Rod was not respected because of his rank… He was respected because of the man he was.”

He said there was nothing more important to Det Insp Kemp than his family, including his two grandchildren.

Today Qld Police and the police community lost a true gentleman and leader. On what was to be his last day in the job before retiring from a remarkable career, Detective Inspector Rod Kemp was taken from his family and his police brothers and sisters from a suspected heart attack.

Rod was a well respected leader, detective and above all else a good decent bloke who always put his staff first and above what was expected of him.

Our thoughts are with Rods family dealing with a sudden loss of him at a time that should have been one of celebration.

Les MelvilleRod Kemp was a man that loved his family and stood by his brothers and sisters in blue. Rank was not an issue with him, because he related to the person. He was a true friend to his mates, he was a true boss to his troops and above all, was a caring and honest man. Personally, I always saw him as a friendly, open and understanding man. Very much Respect, and, Vale Rod Kemp.

David EdwardsI’m so thankful to have known Rod over many years and have had the pleasure of spending many good times with him and his family at bbqs, race meetings and a couple of wild fishing trips. It was only a few weeks ago where our paths crossed once again at…See More

Carly BraggermeisterAnyone who ever worked with Rod knew what what a great person and police officer he was. My heart sank deep when I heard this news. The world is a little bit worse off today. Thank you Rod Kemp for all you have done for me during my career. Some people are givers, others takers. Rod was a giver. Rest in peace mate.

Netty HallA truly well respected boss, Kempy would always stop and have a chat to any ranking officer in passing. He would often joke about the comedy Summer Heights High with me but most of all would talk about his family and grand children with joy. A genuine …See More

Sonia AndersonI am so very saddened. Rod was such a warm, caring, beautiful man. He led the investigation into the murder of my daughter, Bianca Faith Girven. Rod was so respectful, the gentlest of men. I am sure my Bianca is giving Rod a hug right now. My love to Rod’s family and colleagues. He served well ?

Shayne MaxwellRod was a champion bloke. He was loyal to his officers and a great supporter of the Qld Police Union of Employees. Thanks Rod. Your were a true brother in blue. May God call you into arms in Heaven. RIP

Jon BirtIn about 7 years at SBD CIB, I never once remember seeing you without a warm smile and the time to say hello and have a chat. Such an intelligent, genuine, fair, friendly and caring man, these traits made you a great leader of men and your troops alway…See More

Manny PapIt was one the of saddest days of my life yesterday having spoken to Rod in the morning and an hour later attending and reporting on his death. I do have the wonderful memory of having a laugh with him when we spoke. He will be missed.

Kya LeeUnbelievably sad, I cannot fathom that after lifetime of serving and sacrificing for his State and the people of it, his life was ripped from him the day he was due to begin his retirement. Yet those in society, who contribute nothing continue to breath and contribute nothing. May you be resting in peace D/Insp Kemp.

Noel StehbensWent to the academy and was sworn in with Rod. Was a great police officer and a true gentleman. It was a privilege to have known him. RIP Rod your life has been cut so short. Condolences to all your family and friends.

David LaneSo sad mate. Our thoughts with your family. Always with a wry smile no matter what. Great bloke survived by wonderful memories. Auto Theft and the boys, specials at the Norman Hotel and many more. Vale Rod Kemp

Mikal CoolsenRIP Sir, you were a down to earth decent bloke who had time for anyone from all ranks. A true gentleman that will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to the Kemp family. They no doubt will now be feeling the embrace of the blue family.

Bonnie DovastonHaving had Rod as a customer at our coffee shop, my heart sank when i heard the news today. He always talked of his family with great pride, & was always respected by the people around him. He will be greatly missed. From Bonnie at Astro Petes cafe

Bear CassonRIP old mate from your mates from your old school years , was a top bloke then ,have not seen Rod for decades but by the messages on here he never lost that gift of being a top bloke. Cheers to you Rod up there I’m sure you will be still looking over everyone down here. To his family we are sorry for your loss

Michelle SaundersonWow what a tribute …. Inspector Kemp you were well respected and well loved – although I only worked with you a few times it was always a pleasure – a great tribute to a great man – RIP – you will be missed greatly

Grant JamesI had the pleasure of working with Rod on several occasions. He was a true gentleman and a great boss who took a genuine interest in his staff. Such a sad loss made even more tragic by the timing RIP mate

George LewisThis is overwhelmingly sad. This dear man, had worked so hard, given so much. The fragility of life in sharp focus. Thank you for your service. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Ian FischerI’ve worked as a volunteer with the QPS for over 22 years and have nothing but respect and admiration for the vast majority of Officers! A tragedy to happen on the last day of work, life’s kind of not fair sometimes!

Jason ConroyI did not know you Rod or your family. I mean absolutely no disrespect when i say this but, I want to echo Leif Hovland‘s comment, this is truly fucked!! To me this proves there is no god! A man who was a great worker, mate, boss, leader who sacrificed…See More

Claire PeaceThat’s so sad, i have heard this happen so many times people just retired and there heart gives , it’s as if the stress of the job just subsides and the body can’t handle time massive change, so sad for this family cxx

Barry GrahamVery very sad, our thoughts are with his family at this time. The day you join ‘The Job’ a little note should be written at the bottom page of your life reading something like ‘Because of the sacrifices you made protecting others from the evil we know exists you are entitled to retire and have a long and happy retirement’

Leif HovlandSorry, but to put it bluntly, that’s fucked!!
This job takes years off your life, I love it but I want to retire one day and have a good few quality years out of the job!!!
RIP sir, condolences to his family!!!

Ali RidgwellSo sorry to read this post. Our heartfelt thoughts prayers and support to Rod’s family and friends and to our interstate colleagues in Blue. Thank you for your dedication and time to the Force. RIP in the arms of Angels. ?